Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurates Phase 2 of Chellanam tetrapod coastal protection project

Kochi: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that ‘Nava Kerala' is not just a concept, but a reality that can be achieved when development reaches every region and every person experiences its benefits. He was speaking at the completion ceremony of Phase 1 and the inauguration of Phase 2 work of Chellanam tetrapod coastal protection project.The chief minister said the govt aims to make Nava Kerala a reality through various projects. Chellanam was once a hotspot for coastal erosion, but govt decided to construct a 6.1m-high sea wall using tetrapod technology. The Phase 1 included a 7.3km sea wall, six breakwaters and a 6.64km walkway, using eight lakh metric tonnes of stone and 1.5 lakh tetrapods. The construction of tetrapod was a long-standing demand of Chellanam people. The Phase 2 involves protecting the 6.1km stretch from Puthenthode to Manaserry Fishing Gap, using over 1 lakh tetrapods. The Phase 1 cost Rs 347 crore and Phase 2 was allocated Rs 404 crore. The project will reduce coastal erosion and provide relief to the local community. Govt prioritises safety and welfare of fishermen and implemented schemes like 'Punargaham' for their rehabilitation, the CM said. He emphasised that development should reach every section of society, citing examples like Perumbalam bridge and another bridge connecting a tribal hamlet in Thiruvananthapuram. The ceremony was attended by ministers Roshy Augustine and P Rajeeve, K J Maxi, MLA, former MP K V Thomas, bishop Antony Kattipparambil among others.